The Stevenage Borough Juniors U16 Giants faced off against FC Comets Hitchin U16 Red in a thrilling league encounter at Barnwell Upper School on 27 October 2024, kicking off at 10:00 am. The Giants emerged victorious with a crucial 4-1 win
The Giants lined up in a 3-4-1-2 formation, Saba Rajaloo took his place in goal, shielded by a back three consisting of C.J Meadows in the centre, flanked by Cole Barnes on the right and Joel Adeniyi on the left. The midfield was anchored by Reegan Spencer, with George Hallam on the right and Jack Kenward on the left providing width and support to the forwards, Archie started behind the attacking trio. Charlie Dempster and Michael Sarpong operated as left and right forwards respectively, with Masireh Sidibeh leading the line as the central striker. The substitutes for the match included Trystan Acebuque, Ally Ashter, and Joseph Akhidenor.
The match began with an early attempt from Jack Kenward, who fired wide in the sixth minute, signalling the Giants' intent to dominate. It wasn't long before they found the net; in the 12th minute, Masireh Sidibeh opened the scoring collecting a pass from Jack Kenward and driving at the defence he dribbled his way past 2 defenders before slotting the ball past the on rushing keeper. Just moments later, Saba Rajaloo was called into action, making a full-stretch save to deny the Comets an immediate response.
The Giants continued to press, and Sidibeh doubled their lead in the 18th minute, with an almost carbon copy of his first goal but this time the pass came from Archie Briars. Rajaloo was again tested shortly after, making another impressive save in the 20th minute, showcasing his agility and reflexes. Michael Sarpong then had a chance to extend the lead in the 25th minute, but his effort was saved by the Comets' goalkeeper.
As the match progressed, Rajaloo's goalkeeping skills were on full display, as he made a confident catch in the 27th minute. However, the Giants suffered a setback when Reegan Spencer had to be substituted due to injury, with Trystan Acebuque coming on in the 28th minute. Sidibeh was not finished yet; he completed his hat-trick in the 33rd minute, scoring from inside the box after receiving a short pass from Acebuque.
George Hallem almost made it 4-0 with a wonderful long range effort which came back of the far post.
The first half concluded with the Giants leading 3-0.
The Giants made tactical substitutions at halftime , with Joseph Akhidenor replacing Cole Barnes and Ally Ashter coming off the bench for Michael Sarpong
The Comets were not ready to concede defeat, but an own goal from a Comets player in the 46th minute gave the Giants a further cushion, extending their lead to 4-0. However, the Comets found a glimmer of hope in the 55th minute when they scored a long-range strike, reducing the deficit to 4-1.
The match continued with both teams creating chances, but the Giants' defence held firm. Archie Briars had a shot saved in the 76th minute, while Joseph Akhidenor's attempt in the 78th minute went wide.
As the match drew to a close, the Giants made their final substitution in the 79th minute, bringing Charlie Dempster back on for Ally Ashter, who had sustained an injury. Despite the Comets' efforts, the Giants maintained control, securing a well-deserved 4-1 win
This victory sees the Giants move to the top of the division on goal difference ahead of Ware who now have a game in hand.
